P-38 Lightning

The Lightning was designed in 1937 as a high-altitude interceptor. The first one built, the XP-38, made its public debut on February 11, 1939 by flying from California to New York in seven hours. Because of its unorthodox design, the airplane experienced "growing pains" and it required several years to perfect it for combat. Late in 1942, it went into large-scale operations during the North African campaign where the German Luftwaffe named it "Der Gabelschwanz Teufel"--"The Forked-Tail Devil." Equipped with droppable fuel tanks under its wings, the P-38 was used extensively as a long-range escort fighter and saw action in practically every major combat area of the world.

The P-38 Lightning history begins with an idea from Lockheed engineer Kelly Johnson. Johnson's idea was far ahead of its time, and was more advanced than any other fighter/interceptor design during this time period.

Wingspan: 52 Ft.
Length: 37 Ft. 10 In.
Height: 12 Ft. 10 In..
Weight: 17,500 Lbs loaded
Armament: Four .50 caliber machine guns and one 20mm cannon.

Engines: Two Allison V-1710's of 1475 HP each
Maximum speed: 414 MPH
Cruising speed: 275 MPH
Range: 1,100 Miles
Service Ceiling: 40,000 Ft.

Many of the components that were incorporated into the designs were not yet invented, which would be a common theme in Johnson's designs after the war. The P-38 laid down the groundwork for other advanced fighters in the early 1940s. If not for the phenomena encountered during extensive testing, later fighters such as the P-51 would have taken much longer to reach operational status. The P-38 was used for logical purposes such as various attacking techniques, and was also put through radical design concepts such as a float-plane version for long distance ferrying in the Pacific. No other aircraft in the war was used for so many roles. It must be known that the P-38 was a very capable in its main role as a fighter, but also equally successful in many other roles. The P-38 would begin its life in a spectacular and dramatic fashion with a record flight attempt, and would serve with valor and distinction all throughout the war.